The document outlines the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) program, established to secure and enhance international supply chain security while facilitating legitimate trade. It details eligibility, application processes, benefits of AEO certification for importers and exporters, and the various tiers of certification available since India's program introduction in 2011. Additionally, the document highlights the role of ASC Group, a professional services firm, in assisting clients with AEO applications and related services.

1. Authorized Economic Operators (“AEO”)

2. INDEX
Since 1995
01 All about AEO Programme 02 Who can apply
04
Benefits to Importer/Exporter
under AEO Programme
03 Types of certification
06 Role of ASC
08 Locations
05 Eligibility Criteria
07 About ASC Group

3. Since 1995
01 All about AEO Programme
• The global trading system is vulnerable to terrorist exploitation while the international trade is
an essential element for economic development.
• Thus, in 2005, World Customs Organization (“WCO”) adopted SAFE Framework of Standards
thereby introducing AEO Programme.
• Its main objective is to secure and enhance international supply chain security and facilitate
movement of legitimate goods across international border.
• In 2011, Indian AEO Programme was introduced by Central Board of Excise & Customs.
• In 2012, Government came up with further rules and instructions in reference to AEO
Programme.

4. Since 1995
01 All about AEO Programme
Internationally
supported certificate
01
Customs Certified
Secured & Reliable
Trading Partner
02
Reduced Costs &
Time
03
Preferential Customs
Facilitation
04

5. 02 Who can apply
Since 1995
• Anyone involved in the international supply chain that carries out
custom related activities can apply for AEO status irrespective of the
size of their business.
• The list of persons is summarized with the help of pictorial
representation.
• Kindly note that the list is not exhaustive. Port Operators,
authorised
couriers,
Stevedores, etc.
Custodians or
Terminal
Operators
Customs
Brokers
Importer and
Exporter
Logistic Service
Providers
Warehouse
Operators

6. Since 1995
03 Types of certification
• AEO Programme have three tiers certification for importers and exporters:
Particulars AEO-T1 AEO-T2 AEO-T3 / LO
Category
Importer   
Exporter   
Validity 3 Yrs 3 Yrs 5 Yrs

7. 04
Benefits to Importer/Exporter
under AEO Programme
Since 1995
Benefits
AEO-T1
Certificate
AEO-T2
Certificate
AEO-T3/LO
Certificate
High level of facilitation Yes Yes Yes
Direct Port Delivery import/export container Yes Yes Yes
ID cards to authorized personnel for hassle free
entry to Custom Houses, CFS and ICD
Yes Yes Yes
Separate space earmarked in Custodian’s premises Yes Yes Yes
Reduction on Bank Guarantee 50% reduction 75% reduction 100% reduction
Investigations, if any, would be completed, in six to nine Yes Yes Yes
Dispute resolution within six months Yes Yes Yes
24/7 Clearance on request at all sea ports and airports-
No Merchant Overtime Fee
Yes Yes Yes

8. 04
Benefits to Importer/Exporter
under AEO Programme
Since 1995
Benefits
AEO-T1
Certificate
AEO-T2
Certificate
AEO-T3/LO
Certificate
E-mail regarding arrival/ departure of the vessel
carrying their consignments
Yes Yes Yes
Scanning of containers - - No
Seal verification/scrutiny of documents by Custom
officers would be waived
- Yes Yes
Deferred payment of Duty - Yes Yes
BEs/SBs will be processed on priority - Yes Yes
Faster completion of Special Valuation Branch (‘SVB’) - Yes Yes
Self-sealing of export of goods without seeking
permission
- Yes Yes

9. 04
Benefits to Importer/Exporter
under AEO Programme
Since 1995
Benefits
AEO-T1
Certificate
AEO-T2
Certificate
AEO-T3/LO
Certificate
Facility to paste MRP stickers in its own premises - Yes Yes
Access to their consolidated import/export data - Yes Yes
Paperless declarations with no supporting documents
in physical form.
- Yes Yes
Client Relationship Manager”(CRM at the level of
Deputy / Assistant Commissioner available at port who
who will act voice of AEO holder
- Yes Yes
Expedite refund of IGST - 45 Days 30 Days
Faster disbursal of drawback within 72 hrs of EGM
submission
- Yes Yes

10. 05 Eligibility Criteria
Since 1995
Must be established in India and must be a legal entity
covering all activities and locations of business
Eligibility Criteria
The importers/exporters should have filed 25 set of
documents either shipping bill or bills of entry during
the last financial year.
Appropriate record of compliance of customs and other
relevant laws
Proven financial solvency
Maintenance of approved security and safety standards
System of managing commercial and, where appropriate,
transport records.

11. 06 Role of ASC
Since 1995
Advising and assisting
clients in preparation of
application as per AEO
rules
a) Submitting of AEO application
b) Providing guidance in relation to
physical inspection
a) Continuous follow- ups with
the department
b) Obtaining AEO certificate from
the department

12. ASC Group started its journey 25 years ago in 1995 as a professional services firm in New Delhi. The firm, since its inception, has been
instrumental in delivering the quality results for all taxation, accounting or financial services requirements.
Today, we are a team of more than 300 strong professionals comprising of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, Advocates,
Insolvency Professionals and Management Professionals. For seamless execution, the firm is delivering its results through its various
various offices situated in India and abroad. In India, we are present at Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune
Pune and overseas offices are at Singapore and Canada.
The Firm’s rich heritage is apparent in the values for which we stand – integrity, reliability & proficiency. It is our considered policy to
provide professional services in a conservative manner with due attention to the security and propriety of the transactions involved.
The firm has around 1000 clients with more than 90% of clients belonging from multinational category. The firm also has in-house
international desks to cater its international client’s requirements with presently Japan, European and Singapore Desks and working on
having its Chinese desk for which the firm had already sent its delegates to China in the past, thereby demonstrating its commitment
to service the clients globally.
Singapore
Canada
Delhi
Noida
Gurugram
Mumbai
Bangalore
Chennai
Pune
Since 1995
07 About ASC Group

13. 73, National Park,
Lajpat Nagar IV,
New Delhi - 110024
(India)
P: 011-41729056-57,
41601289
Delhi Office
605, Suncity Business
Tower
Golf Course Road,
Sector-54,
Gurgaon, Haryana -
122002
Phone:
+91-124-4245110 /
111 / 116
Haryana
Office
0420, 2nd Floor, 20th
Main, 6th Block,
Koramangala,
Bangalore- 560095
Phone:
080421-39271
Karnataka
Office
C-100, Sector-2, Noida-
201301 Uttar
Pradesh
Phone:
0120-4729400
Uttar Pradesh
office
Office No. 315-316, A
wing, Sagar Tech Plaza,
Andheri Kurla Road,
Sakinaka, Andheri (E),
Mumbai - 400072,
India.
Phone No:
022-67413369/
70/71
Maharashtra
Office
37, TTK Road, CIT
Colony, Alwarpet,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
600018
Mobile No:
+91-8860774980
Chennai
Office
885, Progress Ave
Toronto, Ontario,
M1H 3G3, Canada
Phone:
(+1) 437-774-4488
Canada
Office
One Raffles Place
Tower 1, 27-03
Singapore - 048616
Singapore
Office
Office No. 511, City
Space, Vimannagar,
Nagar Road, Pune MH
– 411014
Phone No :
+91-9022131399
Pune
Office
Since 1995
08 Locations
GET IN TOUCH WITH
PROFESSIONALS
+91 9999043311
info@ascgroup.in

14. THANK YOU